Visit our Popular Forums

janetb · 02-06-2007, 07:16 PM

Ron and Debby,
Our Lucy (on the left in my avatar) ruptured both ACLs last year. She was apparently doing a little too much beach running after all those poor birds. Other than the brief shriek when she blew them out, she was happy as a clam, but couldn't walk! It was a true rupture. We opted not to do the TPLO, and went for the traditional (and less expensive) re-attachment repair because she is smaller and lighter, and will not be facing the same stresses that a larger or heavier dog would. Also her mix is probably terrier/beagle/doxy and arthritis is not a huge issue in those breeds if weight is kept under control,although it's always a risk after joint damage.
The vet told us that if she tolerated the surgery well, and was able to bear weight on both legs after a week or two, we could possibly get by without the 2nd surgery because dogs tend to generate collateral tissue to support the joint. Sure enough, after the convalescence and being carried around like the princess she is, her leg healed beautifully (with very little rimadyl and an early fentanyl patch removal) and she started to use her other leg more and more. Now she is running all over--a lot--although we don't take her to the beach any more for the flat-out runs.
And this is without the second repair. She's 5 and very active and happy, with no signs of an uneven gait or any other joint or muscle discomfort in the leg that wasn't repaired.
So that's our story--you might want to pass it by your vet and see what he/she says.
Best of luck,
Janet

str8strm · 02-06-2007, 08:51 PM

janetb:
Thanks for the info. We'll mention it to our vet. I think our problem will be that bassetts really are big dogs. They got shorted on the legs, but Lucy weighs over 50 pounds. She isn't fat, that's just typical bassett. Milo is over 60. Ron

janetb · 02-06-2007, 09:27 PM

Yes, the weight-bearing issue is probably the deciding factor, just like it often is with us lesser humans. Hope all goes well.
Janet

bradk · 02-07-2007, 09:47 PM

Jack,

great to hear things went well and good for you for following through. Please do keep updating the thread.

cheers,
brad.

str8strm · 02-09-2007, 09:04 AM

Lucy did have a tear and had surgery yesterday. Since they were working on her they pulled the plate from the first surgery on her left leg and put a plate in the right leg. Poor wee girl .................she gets to come home tomorrow . Our other basset really misses her and tried to play with our kitten today the way he plays with Lucy but the kitty was not going for it

BamCamper · 02-09-2007, 09:11 AM

So sorry to hear about Lucy. Hope she is up and around very soon. She's such a sweetie. Ed sends his love and our best wishes for a speedy recovery.

str8strm · 02-09-2007, 09:17 AM

she will be accepting get well biscuits at Malibu, while being squired around in her hip sling

BamCamper · 02-09-2007, 09:24 AM

That's great. We will bring a good supply of treats. Hang in there!

str8strm · 02-10-2007, 06:10 PM

Well, Lucy came home from the vet today. She is currently convalescing (sp?) on her chaise lounge and being pampered. She seems to be fine, except for being self conscious about the shaved butt. Anybody know where we can find a hula skirt in her size?

**azflycaster** · 02-11-2007, 01:07 AM

Jan & I and the pups are glad to hear that Lucy is home. We wish her a speedy recovery and keep her away from the M-Ball at Malibu. Those low riders ofyours hit it pretty hard at 29 Palms and then went on a Jimmy Buffett look alike thing!